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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
PAMELA Fulton continued to make a mark in the world of triathlon after she was appointed head coach for the 2023 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup.
The event, set for Diani in Kenya this weekend, is an initiative for World Triathlon to assist athletes from smaller African federations who are trying to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics build their ranking.
Zimbabwe are fielding two athletes — United States-based Andie Kuipers and Mandlenkosi Mthethwa.
Fulton, who is the Triathlon Zimbabwe national coach, was also appointed head coach for the Blue Bay Africa Triathlon — World Triathlon Youth and Junior Development camp due to take place from September 10 to 16 in Mauritius.
“It is a privilege and honour to be appointed by World Triathlon as head coach for both the Diani, Kenya race and the Blue Bay Mauritius camp this season.
“The development event in Diani this weekend is a new initiative by World Triathlon to assist athletes from smaller African federations, like Zimbabwe.
“Its main objective is to assist athletes with a ranking of less than 250 points who are trying to qualify for Paris 2024. This event is aimed at helping them to build their ranking and to also give junior athletes the experience of racing at elite level.”
The Zimbabwean coach will be involved as a mentor and coach at the event, assisting and mentoring coaches and athletes from other federations prior and after the event.
“I will discuss with them the general pre-event principles and things that are specific to the Kenyan event. We will also have a group post event discussion finding out everyone’s learnings from the event, and possible ways to improve their racing next time,” said Fulton.
Kuipers, who is pursuing qualification for the Olympics, and Mthethwa will compete in the elite women and elite men respectively. They are also set to take part in the mixed team relay event.
Triathlon Zimbabwe president Ross O’Donoghue said Fulton’s appointment was a big plus for Zimbabwe.
“She is a world class coach; she has been doing it for many years. She has got a lot of experience and her input is obviously greatly appreciated with the Africa Triathlon . . . It’s a big plus for Zimbabwe,” O’Donoghue said.
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